The health belief model recognizes that if an individual perceives a threat of having an illness for example, a family history of hypertension and its associated complications. The individual will take action to protect his or her health and this can be accomplished through education and community awareness programs. Often I have assessed that individuals will not seek help until he or she perceives a threat such as severe headaches, weakness or unresolved dizziness and or a loved one who has had a stroke related to uncontrolled …show more content…
This theory also provides a basis for patterns of behavior, the acquirement of certain behaviors and the environment by which these patterns are performed.
When assessing this population one must assess the belief system regarding health and the use of non-pharmacological self-administered healing approaches. Unlike the health belief model that focuses on a perceived threat that will cause action, the self-efficacy and social cognitive theories assesses the social environment by which these behaviors are performed. Such as the availability of certain foods, family, friends, colleagues and physical space. Research has established that “some Africans-Americans view self-care practices such as taking home remedies as a viable option and, in some cases, the only option for care. Historically, “home remedies and other forms of self-treatment were a necessity for this population, in the absences of sufficient health care providers and resources” (Taylor, Boyd, & Shimp, 1989, p.